Deval Patrick on Homeland Security

Democrat

Massachusetts leads the nation in veterans benefits

Like every state, we cut spending and headcount, and slimmed down programs or eliminated some. But we also chose to invest in education, in health care and in job creation--because we all know that educating our kids, having health care you can depend
on, and a good job is the path to a better future.

That's why today our students lead the nation in overall achievement and the world in math and science.

That's why we lead the nation in health care coverage with over 98 percent of our
residents insured.

That's why we lead the nation in energy efficiency and in veterans' services.

And it's also why we have not only closed our budget gaps, eliminated our structural deficit, and achieved the highest bond rating in our history, but
made the kinds of meaningful reforms in the pension system, in municipal health benefits, in our schools, in our transportation and so much more that had eluded our predecessors for a long, long time. None of this is happening by accident.